Food Services & Meal Prep Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Food Services & Meal Prep Specialist is responsible for planning, purchasing, preparing, and organizing weekly meals for residents in the assisted living home. This includes creating a weekly menu that meets dietary needs, budget guidelines, and resident preferences. The specialist ensures all meals are prepared safely, stored properly, and consistently meet quality standards. This role directly supports resident health, comfort, and overall well‐being.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Menu Planning

•  Create a weekly menu that includes balanced, nutritious meals.

•  Incorporate dietary restrictions, resident preferences, and portion guidelines.

•  Maintain a rotating menu system to ensure variety and cost control.

•  Document any menu changes or substitutions.

Grocery Shopping

•  Shop weekly at Costco, Fred Meyer, and other stores as needed.

•  Follow structured shopping lists and adhere to the weekly food budget.

•  Transport groceries and organize pantry, refrigerator, and freezer items.

Meal Preparation

•  Prepare, cook, and portion meals for the entire week, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.

•  Label and date all prepared meals according to food safety standards.

•  Ensure meals meet dietary profiles for each resident (diabetic, low sodium, soft, pureed, etc.).

•  Maintain consistency in taste, quality, and portion sizes.

Kitchen Organization & Sanitation

•  Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment.

•  Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols.

•  Clean and sanitize equipment, counters, and food prep areas after each shift.

•  Monitor and report low‐stock items, equipment issues, or safety concerns.

Documentation & Communication

•  Complete inventory sheets, temperature logs, and meal prep documentation.

•  Communicate dietary changes, supply needs, or concerns to the Administrator or House Manager.

•  Maintain accurate records of menu planning, food storage, and meal labeling.

Required Skills & Competencies

•  Strong cooking and meal preparation skills

•  Ability to create balanced weekly menus

•  Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices

•  Strong organizational and time‐management abilities

•  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

•  Professional communication and reliability

•  Ability to follow dietary guidelines and portion standards

Physical Requirements

•  Ability to stand for extended periods

•  Ability to lift and carry groceries and supplies (up to 30 lbs)

•  Ability to work in a residential kitchen environment

Work Environment

Work is performed in a residential assisted living home kitchen. The role involves interaction with staff and occasional interaction with residents. The environment is supportive, calm, and team‐oriented. We value reliability, respect, and teamwork, and we work hard to create a positive, family‐style atmosphere where employees feel appreciated. This is a purpose‐driven environment where your meals directly support the comfort and well‐being of our residents.